As the deadline for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) rapidly approaches, businesses in Europe’s beverage sector are raising urgent concerns about the lack of clarity from EU institutions on critical compliance aspects. The regulation, which will officially come into force on 12 August 2026, is a major step towards improving sustainability and promoting a transition to a circular economy for packaging in Europe. However, despite its imminent implementation, key issues remain unresolved, and businesses are calling on EU institutions to provide clear, actionable guidance to avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.

The soft drinks sector, represented by UNESDA, has long been committed to the principles of circularity and sustainability. Many businesses have proactively taken measures to reduce packaging waste and increase recyclability. For instance, a significant number of UNESDA’s corporate members have either already achieved or are on track to achieve 100% recyclability in their beverage packaging. Furthermore, 16 EU countries have already implemented Deposit Return Systems (DRS) for beverage containers, and more systems are expected to be rolled out in the coming years as investments continue to flow into improving waste management infrastructure across the continent. This progress has helped pave the way towards reaching ambitious EU recycling targets.

In 2024, the sector surpassed its own 2025 goal by reaching 51.7% recycled PET (rPET) in plastic bottles, already exceeding the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) targets for 2025 and 2030. These achievements demonstrate the soft drinks industry’s dedication to driving the circular economy forward and improving recycling rates across Europe. However, despite these efforts, businesses now find themselves facing a ticking clock and pressing challenges in the lead-up to the PPWR’s implementation.

With only five months left before the law takes effect, businesses are still awaiting clarity on several critical compliance requirements. These include the regulations around the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in food contact packaging, the handling of plastic grouped packaging, and the adoption of reuse models. While the European Commission has proposed a pragmatic approach to addressing PFAS in food contact packaging, businesses are concerned that some EU Member States may choose not to follow this approach, potentially undermining the Single Market and creating inconsistencies that hinder the free movement of goods.

Another pressing issue is the lack of guidance on single-use plastic grouped packaging, a key component of the PPWR that is expected to be clarified only in 2027. Without clear guidance on the specific types of packaging that will be permitted or banned, companies are unable to make the necessary adjustments to their packaging strategies ahead of the 2030 deadline. This uncertainty has the potential to create significant bottlenecks in the supply chain, with the cost of transitioning to alternative packaging solutions estimated to exceed €2 billion just for the soft drinks sector.

Additionally, while the PPWR acknowledges the importance of reusable models in reducing packaging waste, businesses still lack clarity on the conditions under which national exemptions for reuse systems can be granted. Some Member States have already made significant progress in improving beverage packaging circularity through well-designed collection and recycling systems. However, the current exemption framework does not adequately recognize these advancements, leaving businesses uncertain about how to proceed with investments in reuse systems and packaging alternatives.

Given the urgency of the situation, businesses are calling for faster action from EU institutions to provide the much-needed legal clarity and practical solutions that will enable companies to comply with the regulation while maintaining their competitiveness. The lack of clear, harmonized, and implementable guidance on key aspects of the PPWR is causing significant disruption, and businesses are struggling to plan and implement the necessary changes in time for the regulation’s entry into force.

The need for clarity is more pressing than ever. With the August 2026 deadline fast approaching, businesses cannot afford further delays. To ensure the success of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and its intended impact on sustainability, the EU must act quickly to provide businesses with the information they need to make informed decisions. It is critical that all EU institutions work together to adopt clear, concise, and practical guidelines that will allow businesses to comply with the PPWR and contribute to the EU’s circular economy goals.